At DeDe’s Rentals, the renowned Santa Rosa property management firm, we receive new client inquiries seemingly on a daily basis. Interestingly, many people ask the same initial question: “What is your management commission?” In the opinion of broker Keith Becker, there are other, more important questions that should be asked first. Finding the best property [...]
The Write Stuff: Establishing an “Agreement to Rent” in Sonoma County – Part 1
For 40 years, DeDe’s Rentals has been Santa Rosa’s premier property management agency. Over the course of four decades, we have developed processes and documents to help establish a relationship that benefits both tenants and property owners. The foundation of any landlord/tenant relationship is the agreement to rent. An “agreement to rent” is primarily a [...]
Security Deposit Guide for Landlords and Tenants in Sonoma County – Part II
As previously mentioned in Part I of this topic, the return of security deposit after tenancy is the most common disagreement landlords and tenants face. As a landlord, you are responsible for providing a habitable rental unit to your residents. As the tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the rented premises. A landlord can only [...]
Do the Math: A Security Deposit Guide for Landlords and Tenants – Part I
The most common problem a landlord will likely encounter is the security deposit refund accounting after tenancy ends. If not addressed properly, the landlord can face the risk of being sued and taken to small claims court by their tenant. To understand the laws and calculations associated with the security deposit return, one must first [...]
Raising the Red Flag: FACTA and Credit Report Discrepancies
According to Dede’s Rentals, when landlords handle credit reports, they are required to abide by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003, also known as the “Red Flag Rule.” This legislation was passed (and subsequently modified) in response to increasing concerns about identity theft. As landlords, we don’t want to be victimized by [...]
“Who Are You?” Qualifying A Tenant Using Rental Criteria and Credit Reports
One of our lawyers has a favorite quote: “it is cheaper to leave your house vacant than to rent to a bad tenant.” As a landlord, the critical distinction between a property that cash flows and one that does not can often be distilled to this one decision. A good tenant can help maintain the [...]
“Eyeballs and Phone Calls:” How to Effectively Advertise and Rent Your House in Santa Rosa and Sonoma County
When advertising your rental property, it’s important to use effective marketing techniques. Good marketing can make the difference between a stagnant vacancy and one that attracts desirable tenants. Advertisements should at the very minimum identify the property address, bedrooms, bathrooms, and monthly rent. Narrative or bullet descriptions effectively build upon the basic information, helping applicants [...]
Face Off: How Landlords and Tenants Can Minimize Conflict During the Move-Out Process
According to the California Department of Consumer Affairs, the single most common reason for dispute between landlords and tenants is over the refund of the tenant’s security deposit after they have moved out of a rental unit. In order to avoid such conflicts, it’s recommended that both landlord and tenant treat this process as a [...]
First Impressions: Some Practical Tips to Rent your House Faster
Dear Landlord: Use your imagination. For this topic, I’d like to ask that you look at your rental property from a different viewpoint…. imagine you are a prospective applicant, seeing this particular residence for the very first time. Applicants will have a judgmental opinion of your property. This is not a good or bad characteristic, [...]
Prop 215 & Residential “Pot Farms” – Why SHOULDN’T Rental Property Owners Allow Them?
Prop 215 states that marijuana use and cultivation are legal in California, but under federal law, the Drug Enforcement Agency still deems it illegal. What does this mean for homeowners? Why NOT allow tenants to turn rental properties into residential pot farms? First and foremost, a landlord’s property may be seized by the government under [...]
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